Abstract
We assessed the validity of a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire to estimate energy intake in young children by comparison with total energy expenditure (TEE). TEE was measured in 45 children (22 males and 23 females; 4.2-6.9 y of age) by the doubly labeled water method and body composition was estimated from bioelectrical resistance (20.2 +/- 4.0 kg body weight, 4.6 +/- 2.1 kg fat mass, and 15.6 +/- 3.1 kg fat-free mass). The sample included 36 white children and 9 Mohawk Native American children. The children's mothers completed one Willett food-frequency questionnaire to reflect the child's usual dietary intake over the last year. Total energy intake by food-frequency questionnaire (9.12 +/- 2.28 MJ/d) was significantly higher than TEE (5.74 +/- 1.13 MJ/d; P < 0.001). Misreporting of intake by food-frequency questionnaire ranged from 9.57 MJ/d overestimation to 1.58 MJ/d underestimation and was not significantly influenced by sex or body composition of the children. We conclude that use of the food-frequency questionnaire significantly overestimates energy intake in children.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
